“Obviously, Scotty’s doing it trying to rattle our chain. It’s an opponent that’s below us (in the standings), in the same situation we’re in, trying to fight for the playoffs.

“Scotty’s just using his knowledge and experience that he knows how to do. He’s putting it through the media now.”

Because of his hot play — five goals and seven points in his last eight games prior to Friday night’s clash with the Anaheim Ducks — Glencross has been a hot topic among media members in Calgary lately.

With his contract expiring this summer and so far no move made to extend him, the potential unrestricted free agent could be due a big raise from his $1.2-million salary.

But Sutter addressed their relationship Friday before the game against the Anaheim Ducks when a reporter asked about the tough love he and his staff have shown Glencross, who was a healthy scratch for a couple of games in December.

“I love Glennie. Are you saying I don’t love Glennie?” Sutter said with a laugh. “I tough-love him, too.

“There’s never been a situation with him and I at all. He was obviously upset when he didn’t play for a couple of games, and I understand that.

“We wanted to get Glennie at the level of play that we fell he can be at on a consistent basis.

“As far as he and I, our relationship as a player/coach, it’s great.”

Staois draws into lineup

With Adam Pardy still out with a shoulder injury, and blueliner Brendan Mikkelson not at his best against the Ottawa Senators, veteran rearguard Steve Staios drew back into the Flames lineup Friday night against the Ducks.

“He’s been out for a while,” Sutter said of the 37-year-old defenceman who has played one game — at forward — since Dec. 5.

“Stevie can bring some intangible things to us that we can use. He’s played in these big games before and down stretch runs with our northern opponent. He’s played well in those games.”